If someone asked you what the biggest restaurant in Florida is, would you know? For Tampa residents, this might be an easy answer. Not only is Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Florida, the largest restaurant in the state, but it also holds the title of one of the oldest Spanish restaurants in the entire world! With 15 dining rooms, 1,700 seats, and 52,000 square feet of space, this restaurant takes up an entire city block and is easily one of the best places to eat in Florida.

Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City has been family-owned since 1905.
Flickr / Steven Martin
Not only is this restaurant the oldest in the state, but it also is the largest, too.
Flickr / Matthew Paulson
The Ybor City location is the original location, although the restaurant has since expanded to six other locations throughout Florida.
Flickr / Matthew Paulson
First and foremost, this restaurant is HUGE. We’re talking 15 different dining rooms and 1,700 seats huge. Most of these dining rooms offer a different ambiance, too, like the main hall which is very different from the charming Sancho Panza room.
Flickr /Matthew Paulson
With a mix of Cuban-Spanish cuisine, visitors can expect an eclectic menu that ranges from fresh paella to pressed Cuban sandwiches.
TripAdvisor / arienne410

Related Stories

The Best Fried Chicken In Florida Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant

The Best Fried Chicken In Florida Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant

 The Iconic Steakhouse In Florida That Serves Absolutely Mouthwatering Steaks

The Iconic Steakhouse In Florida That Serves Absolutely Mouthwatering Steaks

 The Incredible Buffet In Florida With Almost As Many Desserts As Main Dishes

The Incredible Buffet In Florida With Almost As Many Desserts As Main Dishes
The sangria here is also a fan-favorite, with a choice of red or white wine in a carafe that you can purchase and take home!
TripAdvisor / management
But if you don’t want sangria during your visit you can always choose from one of the 1,000+ wines and 50,000 bottles that the restaurant offers.
TripAdvisor / management
This ginormous restaurant has won some serious accolades over the years, too, like one of the “Top 50 All-American Icon” restaurants!
TripAdvisor / management
So the next time you’re in Ybor City and you want to try the largest restaurant and the oldest restaurant in Florida, head on over to Columbia Restaurant. We promise you will be glad you did!
Flickr / Matthew Paulson
Check out this interactive map to find the exact location of Columbia Restaurant in Tampa.
Google Maps

Have you ever been to the biggest restaurant in Florida? What was your favorite menu item? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about Columbia Restaurant, including current hours of operation and other locations, then check out the information on TripAdvisor or the Columbia Restaurant website. It should also be noted that there is a Columbia Restaurant dress code that patrons are asked to follow, so make sure you’re in the know before your dining experience.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for other fantastic restaurants in Florida, we’ve come up with a bucket list like you’ve never seen. Check out these 12 places to eat in Florida, one for each day of the month.

12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Florida, One For Each Month Of The Year

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Biggest Restaurant In Florida

Megan Todaro | December 13, 2022

What is the oldest restaurant in Florida?

Did you know that the biggest restaurant in Florida is also the oldest restaurant in Florida? That’s right, Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City holds the title not just for the biggest restaurant but also the oldest.

  • Columbia Restaurant stood the test of time with humble beginnings back in 1905.
  • Back then, it was a tiny cafe serving Cuban food for the cigar workers of Ybor City.
  • Eventually, the restaurant expanded, taking over the whole city block.

With a history dating back over 100 years, Columbia Restaurant is easily the oldest restaurant still alive and thriving in the state.

What is the most highly rated diner in Florida?

The most highly-rated diner in Florida, also the oldest continuously operating diner, is Angel’s Dining Car in Palatka.

  • Angel’s dining car menu is filled with all of your favorite diner-style classics like pancakes and eggs, sandwiches, and so much more.
  • But if there is one plate for which this diner is known, it’s the burgers and fries.
  • Angel’s dining car has been serving a delicious burger and fries platter for nearly 70 years, which is why it’s one of the best places to eat in Florida.

 

What is the best little-known restaurant in Orlando, Florida?

The best little-known restaurant in Orlando is The Knife Restaurant. A bit about this restaurant:

  • You can indulge in all-you-can-eat meats served table side.
  • As one of the best food places in Orlando to grab a steak, this Argentinian steakhouse offers guests over 15 different cuts of beef, chicken, and pork, all grilled to perfection. Good news for guests, this all-you-can-eat menu means that you won’t leave hungry.
  • Plus, The Knife Restaurant offers appetizers and a huge salad bar too, to round out the meal.

It might not be the biggest restaurant in Florida, but it is sure to be one of the places to eat in Florida for carnivores.

Related Articles

Explore Florida

Featured Addresses
Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA